Apple iPhone 4S launch: iCloud launch on October 12; iPod Touch with new features unveiled

CUPERTINO: In its iPhone 4S event on Tuesday, Apple announced the October 12 launch of long-promised iCloud, which lets people store music, pictures, videos and other digital files online and access the content across Apple computers and mobile devices.

"IPhone 4S plus iOS 5 plus iCloud is a breakthrough combination that makes the iPhone 4S the best iPhone ever," said Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Philip Schiller.

"While our competitors try to imitate iPhone with a checklist of features, only iPhone can deliver these breakthrough innovations that work seamlessly together," he said.

Apple also added new features and pricing to its iPod Touch and iPod Nano devices in the latest improvements to a line kicked off with the introduction of the first iPod in the same Apple "Town Hall" in 2001.

The iPod Touch will be available for $199, and iPod Nano prices will start at $129.

"IPod has revolutionized the way we listen to music and with over 320 million sold is the world's most popular music player," Schiller said.

At his first major product launch since being crowned CEO, Tim Cook ceded the critical iPhone presentation to another executive, and failed to generate the same level of excitement and buzz that predecessor Steve Jobs was famous for.

The new iPhone 4S is identical in form to the previous model, disappointing fans who had hoped for a thinner, bigger-screened design. Apple's shares fell as much as 5 per cent, before recovering with the broader market to close down 0.6 per cent.

But analysts say the new device sported some new features, such as voice commands, to draw in consumers and is still going to be a big draw this holiday season, particularly as the phone is now available on Sprint's network in addition to AT&T and Verizon Wireless.

Tuesday's iPhone event took place at Apple Central -- the same venue where the iPod was introduced years ago - versus the larger, splashier venues of more recent choice, such as downtown San Francisco's Moscone center.